Does anyone have a recommendation for one? Going to get one soon ,want to start floating again April 1 (subject to flows) Any thoughts , Would like reasonable priced one ,if possible. Which feels like under 300 . Why is fishing so hard ! LOL Thanks

I would suggest NRS. Farmer John styles starting at $104 and full suits at around $230. I would also recommend not buying a full suit. A farmer john with layers of synthetic/fleece up top and a paddling jacket over top will be warmer, more comfortable, less restrictive for fishing and rowing. Also will be more versatile for changing conditions. A cold morning that turns into a warm sunny afternoon can roast you in your own juices in a full suit or drysuit. Another option would be their Hydroskin pants, jackets and vests. Hydroskin is a thin neoprene that is very stretchy and fleece lined. Very comfy on cold days. Don't forget the booties.

I have several wet suits accumulated over the years and my favorite is the NRS farmer john with the full length zipper, which really helps when you have to relieve yourself not to mention making it easier to put it on and take it off. I agree with Cheatriver8730 about not buying a full suit.__________________aka CT
Lititz, PA

I would disagree about a wetsuit only working when its wet. Put one on and blow up and carry a bunch of rafts down to the river and you will become overheated quickly;-) Wetsuits keep you warm by wrapping you in a windproof, water proof layer of foam insulation. While you can get the same insulating value through layers of wool or synthetics, if you actually end up in the water the wetsuit is far superior. Cold water destroys the value of trapped body heat by constantly carrying away the heat that your body produces. A wetsuit's value is that it mostly stops the water from coming in contact with your skin. Thats why you don't see surfers and divers just layering up with polypro and fleece - they will always use a wetsuit or a drysuit. I agree that if we are talking about fishing class 2 or 3 rivers, and you are only getting splashed, layers of fleece with a splash top and pants will work great however if there is a chance of long or multiple swims a wetsuit is far warmer and safer.

They are not the most comfortable things to wear although the newer NRS hydroskin stuff is not bad. We used to train new river guides in March. One of the most unpleasant things was getting up in the morning and finding your wetsuit frozen stiff. Awful to put on. Too old for such nonsense now.

Originally Posted by Cheatriver8730I would disagree about a wetsuit only working when its wet.

Well to be fair, no one said that they ONLY work when wet... but work BEST when wet. For, as you pointed out, that is what they are designed for. So IMO unless there is a major risk of a swim(s), or are in a small splashy boat...they are unnecessary__________________You must learn to not run from your problems, except for today, when your problems are all giant boars.

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